Justice Department Declines to Compel Former AG Pam Bondi's Testimony in Epstein Probe

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not attend a scheduled deposition as part of the House Oversight Committee's inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein. The department's stance is that Bondi is no longer obligated to testify because she no longer holds the office of attorney general.

In a letter to Oversight Chairman James Comer, Assistant Attorney General Patrick D. Davis explained that Bondi had been subpoenaed in her official capacity. Since she is no longer in that role, the department believes the subpoena is no longer binding. The letter requested that the subpoena be withdrawn, as Bondi cannot testify as the Attorney General.

Despite the Justice Department's position, members of the House Oversight Committee indicated their intention to proceed with securing Bondi's testimony. A spokesperson for the Republican-led panel stated that they would contact Bondi's personal legal representatives to arrange the deposition.

Top Democrat on the committee, Robert Garcia, asserted that the subpoena remains valid irrespective of Bondi's current employment status. He insisted that she must testify immediately, warning that contempt proceedings would commence if she defied the subpoena.

The subpoena, issued with bipartisan backing last month, was led by Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace. She argued that the subpoena was personally directed at Bondi and thus remains effective, stating that the American public deserves answers and expects her appearance once a new date is set.

Earlier this week, Mace and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna urged Chairman Comer to publicly confirm that Bondi would still testify. Comer, who had previously expressed doubts about the subpoena's necessity, stated he would consult with fellow Republicans on the path forward. He had previously committed to proceeding with all investigation-related subpoenas.

Reports suggest that Bondi's standing within the administration had diminished prior to her departure, partly due to criticisms surrounding her handling of the Epstein case. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated on Tuesday that the responsibility for resolving the subpoena issue now rests with Congress.